I'm 74 and can't hike anymore but you make my day. Utah is a wonderland. I've been to the National Parks but it's so amazing how many glowing orange canyons to explore with you Jamel it's like God went wild in southern Utah.
Great video! I really enjoy the flowers and wildlife - the small things. Everyone sees the landscapes, but not everyone notices the ones who live there all the time.
Thanks for sharing this awesome hike with the world.You sure took a chance heading into that gully when you knew rain was approaching.It added a true scare to an already really well-made hike video.I'll be sure to watch any other trips you upload.Many thanks again it was a thrill.
Joey Coconato!! that is too awesome. I'd comment on the rest of the film but that would take longer than your trip/ can not thank you enough for this film!
Wow, so cool! I love Zion but, unfortunately have never been to Capitol Reef. I plan to the next time I'm in Utah. I love that you are showing us the back country where a lot of people don't get to go! Absolutely beautiful. Happy Travels!
Thank you for this great new video. It's always an event when Jamal puts on a new video. Then my wife, my son and me gather in front of the TV and while we have a relexed weekend-breakfast we follow you through your "out of this world" landscapes and adventures. We are from Germany and travel the U.S. for more than 20 years now. But you do all the things I always dreamed of and all the things you can't do with a family. Your movies mean a lot to me. They are adventurous holidays in our everday-lives. Feel glad you have experienced all these natural wonders.
This was a beautiful video. We are moving to St George this year. And than i came across this wonderful video. Thank you very much for your heart and soul.
Jamal - I can't say enough about how awesome/inspiring/epic your outings are. Thanks for doing all the work in terms of writing/photos/video. Great 45 minutes.
Amazing. Just awesome. I know this 3 years old. But. Wow. I need to get out more. Just draw dropping. So amazing. Ironically, you cut the camping, often. Fire making and food prep. I actually would enjoy, just a hint of that, experience in the video. Still love it.
Thanks! Yeah, every trip I hope to cover more of the "Camp Life" stuff, but I never seem to have time. Truth is many days I hike until after sundown and then cook/eat from half inside my tent. It's a rare occasion that I ever make an actual fire. Thanks for watching.
Great video! Thanks for sharing your hike with us. What a beautiful part of the world. I happened to see the Flash Flood mini-episode, which prompted me to watch the whole thing. And now I'm going to check out your other hikes... and start planning my own walks.
Thanks for watching and the comment. My other videos aren't quite as text-heavy/dramatized/lesson-minded, but...I hope you like them. Many people like them better (though this is the video that gets all the views!)
Very well done video! Thanks for taking us along! The scenery was wonderful! Those sudden floods out there are unreal! Our family experienced a sudden flood while visiting Zion National park. We were visiting the narrows, it started to rain so we left. By the time we got back to our campground the flood came suddenly just as yours did. We were camped just outside of Zion next to the river. Agreed The smell is very strong! Thank you again! From John's wife Jackie
Thank you so much for sharing this adventure with us. One thing I've always wondered while driving along and seeing the "highlights" - what am I missing? Well, you show us. I'm a little long in the tooth - over 60 - so my days of hiking like this are over but it sure is nice to see (even if it is through a picture) some of the beautiful scenery I otherwise would never see. What amazing adventures you have!! Sherrie in South Carolina
+Jamal Green (AcrossUtah) I just ran across this offering and I enjoyed it very much. I got to see some of Utah while driving a truck and I think that it is very beautiful. I cannot walk any distance now so I will follow along with you.
At first i think this video was just about ten minutes, but when i realize it was at 20 minutes mark. I really like it, congratulations for you, it was a inspiring adventure, hope you make another one of this great hiking trips soon. Your adventure motivates me to someday do the same here in Brazil at National Park of "Chapada das mesas", the enviromental is so close to the Utah desert. Cheers from Brazil, and sorry about the bad english.
Man I love this video. I've watched it will in the military. Helped while I was deployed many times. I'm a Utahn but have been away for 20 years and finally heading back after retiring out of the USAF. I wish I could do this but my body and mind is probably not up to the challenge. We'll have fun man and hope to see you at some point in the adventures now that I can finally reestablish roots in Utah.
Jamal, You're a brave soul. I enjoyed your journey and the views were gorgeous; but the whole time I kept wishing: PLEASE don't get sick drinking that ground water; and don't slip-fall, you might break a leg! I did 20 years ago and life has never been the same. Be super careful, my Friend. Thanks for the walk-a-bout! Enjoyed every step.
Our pleasure, Jamal! Safe, clean, hydrated, and warm in our armchair travels. Not as vigorous, but a luxury afforded in old age, as you too shall see someday. We Thank You for laboriously lugging the cam -Not an easy task! All Best Wishes for your next adventure.
Really enjoyed this video and sharing your adventure vicariously. You hiked through canyons I've long been interested in. Now that I'll be 64 in a couple weeks and having broken my leg hiking in May, I'm thinking I won't ever get to some of those places. However, your video helps motivate me to keep on getting out as far as I can! Thanks! - John Spurr
This looks like the roughest type of backpacking a person could imagine. Wilderness- love it! In and out of these slots, rocky canyons, very informative about the geological features, where the little oasis' might be. Awesome- on top 50 mile, I could have explored more when I was there 5 years ago. There seemed to be a bit of rain for you. I'll check out the full report so me and ole' yeller can make it there hopefully this year. I remember those atv's around Kanab creek, but up on Escalante not many. Cool editing too Jamal.
Awesome hike, great video. Thank you! I was anxious when you were filming in some of those slot canyons away from your pack. When I backpack solo in the middle of nowhere, I keep my emergency gear and personal locator beacon in a very lightweight packable backpack so that I can have it with me always. I've read too many stories of people who get seriously injured while their pack is a short distance away. Not criticizing you at all - just giving you a very humble suggestion that you might be interested in for safety. I use a Marmot Kompressor with the foam back pad removed. It weighs only a little more than a stuff sack. Thanks again. Your video skills and editing are excellent.
Hey Jamal, love the videos! Was wondering if you could make a training and preparation guide video as well, it seems like you really know what you are doing and would love to learn more from you. Thanks for the videos!
+Kevin Kiesel Thank you! Seems like every off season I think about making some gear/prep videos, but I never quite get around to it. BUT... we will see if I can make it happen this winter!
Thanks. This video and those from the next few years (2015-2017) have been shot with a Sony Nex-5T -- a compact system camera. I also carry a pocket camera, but I use the Sony for most photos and the video. I carry a 24-75 (35mm eq) zoom lens. I've been really happy with the camera overall. My only real complaint is the poor audio at times (standard mic susceptible to camera and wind noise.)
Great video, thanks for posting. You seem like a real top bloke, but I will say this - for such a big-time outdoorsman you sure seem to hate the rain a lot. It's just water dude.
+Nick Danger Haha! Yeah... you are right. I'm not a fan of the hail or snow either, but I power through it all when I have to. I might be guilty of playing it up for the camera a tad bit. :)
+Solo Jo Funny thing is... earlier in the day I saved a rattlesnake as well. After leaving the mouse, I thought... what if the rattlesnake I saved earlier got to that mouse and thus I'm responsible! Circle of life! :)
Another fantastic looking trip and video! Those flash floods are always fun to watch when you're not caught in them. A few questions if you don't mind: Do you use the same camera to shoot both video and stills? What are you using these days? What are your primary sources for researching such remote areas for water sources, obstacles, etc? Do you carry a sat phone or other sat communicator for potential ICE situations? What do you do for work that allows you time to take such extended trips? Self-employment? Was that Joey in Steven's Canyon or someone else?
WasatchWill Thanks! Re: Cameras: This trip was my first time out with the Sony NEX-5T which I used for both video and stills. I liked it, though I need a little more practice with it. I supplemented this with some shots from a "pocket" camera. Re: research: a lot of books (Kelsey, Allen, etc.) and existing online trip reports. I'm also a map geek and try to memorize NG Trails Illustrated series and love to "browse" Google Earth for hours on end. Re: this time out I carried a Cerberus Tracker which provides 2-way SAT communication for texts/email and can also act as an emergency locator beacon if needed. I use the company's rental program. Re: work. I'm a former content producer for movies on DVD/Blu-ray. This job allowed me to work really hard for a while, then take extended time off between jobs. Now I'm completely self employed focusing on various media/content gigs and enjoy more free time though less $ (and I'm OK with that!) Re: Stevens Canyon. Yep -- that was Joey. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video. I wish I could hike into these rugged areas. My knees and ankles are not the best, and it's not a good idea to fall and maybe break something. So I don't take the chances. Anyway, I appreciate what you do.
Wow, that was an impressive trip and fantastic footage of the flash flood in Halls Creek Narrows. Your video reminded me of my recent overnight trips through Lower Muley Twist Canyon and Upper Spring Canyon in Capitol Reef NP. I'll be extra careful if I hear wind blowing through those canyons ;) I haven't done trips that require wettable shoes yet but hope to get there some day. What footwear would you recommend for that?
If I know I'm going to be water for an extended period I just wear my boots -- usually with neoprene socks. I also take "camp crocs" and if it's just a quick water crossing I will wear those to keep my boots dry for as long as possible.
Came across this by accident when looking for info on Capitol Reef. Great video; fantastic trip! If you did this solo, does it mean that you would set the video camera, do a bit of walking and then have to come back and get the camera. That would make your 320 mile trek a lot longer.
Yep -- almost all of my treks are solo, so there is a bunch of walking back/forth to do the "walk by" shots. The stated mileage in my videos and trip reports are "total miles walked", so that is often about 10-15% more than just "trail" miles. Thanks for watching.
What camera did you use? And did you use a separate audio recording system? I noticed when your far from your camera I can still easily hear you. Did you ever feel nervous about doing this trail solo?
+MM McKinney For this trip I used a Sony NEX-5 (micro 4/3s camera) for video and stills (I also has a smaller point and shoot for additional footage.) I've considered adding a wireless or shotgun mic, but still just use the on-board mic for now. The wind seems to ruin some audio on every trip, but overall it works OK.
Thanks for watching and the sub. Will the Wanderer -- aka just Will -- is a local that loves to hike extensively throughout the area and does so nearly year-round. This was the first time I'd run into him, but I know other hikers who have run into him multiple times.
Hi Jamal, love your videos, ill be there hiking for the first time next week. What 360 cam do you use and if you don't mind me asking...what time do you start your hikes? I never see anyone in your videos and that would make for some amazing pictures im going to try to capture! Thanks and keep it up!
Thanks! I use a Gear360 (2016). There are def better ones out now, but it still does an OK job. I usually start hiking late morning (by hiker standards), but enjoy hiking all day long often until the sun is down. Many of the places I visit are pretty scheduled so I might go several days without seeing anybody, but other places (Zion, Coyote Gulch, etc.) I will see lots of people (I just try to avoid them when I shoot video.) Thanks for watching and enjoy your trip!
Enjoyed watching this. You are an excellent guide to this region. Maybe I missed something, but how do your caches end up along the way, getting dropped by the postal service while tagged by GPS waypoints ?
welve247 Thanks! In this case I drove to a few key locations and dropped the caches myself (it took a day and a half before I started hiking.) In the past I've had other people drop them for me when arrangements could be made.
Thanks! Sometimes local outfitters offer guide services. Check in Escalante for options. But... with a little research there are a bunch of short/safe options that are doable solo.
Hey, Jamal, glad the flash flood didn't get you. I'm a native of New Mexico and am well aware of how quickly they can come on. I like how you mixed some still shots in with the video. Is that typical?
Thanks! Yeah, I always try to mix in some still shots with videos. I think at times a still can actually capture the scene better as one is not distracted with motion or sound. Cheers!
@@Acrossutah Your lighting and sense of contrast is amazing. Although I am an accomplished art quilter and enjoyed videography as an art form, I hadn't paid much attention to the various commercial video formats until a movie producer (unsolicited) asked me if I had a trailer for one of my books. Ummm, no. I hadn't even entertained the thought. I did suggest that a mixture of stills and video would be great for a retro psychological thriller, but was gently told that wasn't what was expected. What? Anyway, I thanked him for contacting me and let the matter drop for the time being since I was in the midst of teaching during the pandemic. Now that I have retired, I have more time to think about it and indulge in my creative passions. Never a dull moment here. Have a wonderful week, Jamal. I can't wait to see your next episode. Dovie
+Jim Doss Sometimes I squeeze in a shorter trip in the fall, but I don't know if that will happen this year. So... probably not until spring for another big hike. The video for this trip was my first with the Sony NEX-5T. I liked it a lot, but need a little more experience to get the most out of it. Previous trips I'd shot with various point n shoot cameras (or even an HDV recorder for my first few trips.)
+Jamal Green (AcrossUtah) I've never been to red rock country in the spring. I tend to go in mid-September - just in time for monsoon season. Since I had to cancel my trip this year, maybe I'll try to go next spring, but that's my usual time for a week in Death Valley. That Sony camera gets nice reviews, but it's a strange looking thing. :-)
Part of this route was pure cross-country -- but other sections were along established routes in canyons. I love maps and study them quite a bit and enjoy reading trip reports from other outdoor enthusiasts. Thanks for watching!
+Michael Jay Parker Glad you liked the video. I'm personally glad the area is still managed by the BLM but now as part of a National Monument. Seems like this adds a layer of protection of the land from industrial abuse (mineral/timer/agriculture) -- though I understand some of the arguments on the other side of the fence.
How heavy was your pack at its heaviest? You really like southern Utah. I do too. I've only been there once but would like to go back. I wouldn't mind living in St George , Cedar City or some of the other towns in the area. I hope it doesn't get too built up.
Canyon Overlook I'm not ultra-light by any means, but my pack is not as heavy as it looks; it averages about 38-40 pounds as long as I'm not carrying extra water.
I don't usually run, but otherwise YES as I'm usually solo. 😃 I have a super-light tripod that I keep strapped on my belt and my camera in a pocket as well. So, I can do the whole process really fast without even taking off my backpack most times. It's a little extra walking, but I think it helps capture the story. Thanks for watching! 👍
As allays well done and captivating Jamal. Coyote Gulch is a jewel. Is there a way for guy like me /I can make up to 12 miles a day and I'm not to good uphill, breathing problems/ to consider one day event in Coyote Gulch? I gonne be a week in end of September in the area. Thanks...And keep it coming
1wolny1 Coyote Gulch would be really hard to do as a day hike unfortunately. Maybe if you lined up a car shuttle and hiked bottom to top -- but it would still be a pretty long day.
1wolny1 Yes -- it's not technical at all, though it is pretty skinny and most people take a rope to lower packs over a 12' ledge instead of taking them through the actual crack. I had to turn sideways to make it through (on a previous trip, not this one.)
Thanks...so if we drove to Crack in the Wall trail parking area, then walk true Crack and down to the canyon, and 2-3 hours around canyon and back same way.....is that doable? I know I'm pushing but I'm like obsessed about that gulch :)
1wolny1 Yes -- that is definitely doable as a day (just leave enough energy to get back up the sand hill coming out!) You could definitely see the waterfalls this way -- but making up to Jacob Hamblin Arch would be tough. It's approx 10 miles round-trip from trailhead to Cliff Arch and the top waterfall (w/o any side trips.)
- - - - - I am a curious sort of person and am into herpetology, at --7:11--, you showed what looked to be a Great Basin Gopher Snake. Do you remember how long it might have been?, I do not mean right down to the millimeter but a rough guess in feet and inches might do, ;-) . In Saudi Arabia we had the Gerbils over there getting into our stuff. Lost two, rather spendy, dust masks when the little beasties chewed them up and a hole in my sleeping bag so they could pull the stuffing out to built their nests under the floor boards of our tent. The little pest where hard to get rid of, short of shooting them. - - - - - Well, Be Safe and Have A Beautiful and Wondrous Day. - - - - - //es// A Proud Honorable Disabled American Veteran, 1967-1994 - Combat Medicine and psychiatry.
I had permits for my camps in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and Capitol Reef National Park -- all other areas were BLM and didn't require permits. Note: though I started in Zion, I exited the park before camping the first night.
+Jamal “AcrossUtah” Green huh interesting, my wife and I planning a road trip through Utah and Arizona in a month and mostly we have arranged state parks and other campgrounds to stay at we still have a couple days that are wide open and we were thinking of camping around these areas so I was just wondering where you needed a permit to do so, obviously in national parks you need the permit.
nationalocean All depends on what water sources are nearby. If possible I like to carry less than 1/2 gallon at a time. But, I have the capability to carry 2.5 gallons if needed. This hike was the coolest overall that I've every done (in Utah in spring.) There were a few days that reached into the upper 80s, but everything else was cooler and often rainy.
+Durinoo For this trip I used a Sony NEX-5 (micro 4/3s camera) for video and stills (I also had a smaller point and shoot for additional footage.) It was my first trip with this camera and for the most part I was fairly happy.
